Vic Chesnutt, a singer-songwriter whose music dealt with mortality and black humor, died on Friday in a hospital in Athens, Ga., a spokesman for his family said. He was 45 and lived in Athens.

He had been in a coma after taking an overdose of muscle relaxants earlier this week, said the family spokesman, Jem Cohen.

My thoughts and condolences go out to Chesnutt’s family and friends during a very hard time.

Chesnutt, 45, was a key player in the Athens, Georgia music scene for nearly three decades. Other Athens-based musical acts included R.E.M., The B-52s, Neutral Milk Hotel, Of Montreal and Elf Power: a number of these acts collaborated with Chesnutt. This past year, Chesnutt released two albums, At The Cut and Skitter On Take-Off.

UPDATE: You may read the official press release about Chesnutt’s death from Constellation Records here.

Leor — a good family friend just wrapped a tour with Chestnutt a few weeks ago and played w/ him on At the Cut. Needless to say, everyone is devastated. Thanks for keeping (accurate!) tabs on the last few days.